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Japan: Empress Kogyoku (594-661), also known as Empress Saimei, 35th and 37th imperial ruler of Japan.

Empress Kogyoku (594-661), also known as Empress Saimei, 35th (as Empress Kogyoku) and 37th (as Empress Saimei) imperial ruler of Japan. A granddaughter of Prince Shotoku, who was regent in 593-621, she first married Yomei-Tenno (586-87) and then her uncle Jomei-Tenno (629-41), whom she succeeded. After his death 10 years later she re-ascended to the throne, and this time she did not allow herself to yield power. She subdued the Ebisu of Ezo, and in 661 she led a naval expedition to Paekche. She died on the way to rescue the Korean kingdoms of Koma and Kudara from Chinese attack.